Bishop formally takes over St Thomas of Canterbury College
21 October 2026
The Catholic Bishop of Christchurch has formally assumed governance of St Thomas of Canterbury College from the Christian Brothers at a handover liturgy at the school.
The ceremony on Wednesday, which follows the Minister of Education’s recent approval of the transfer of ownership, coincided with the college’s graduation Mass for year 13 students.
Bishop Michael Gielen, at the start of an address to students, families, staff, old boys and Church leaders, cited the Māori proverb He aroha whakatō, he aroha puta mai, meaning “where love is sown, there love will be received”.
“For generations, love, sacrifice, faith and hard work have been sown in St Thomas’, and today we are privileged to receive it,” he said.
“To all the friends of St Thomas’, thank you. We're here today at the beginning of a new chapter, because so many of you cared enough to stand beside this college.
“Now that responsibility is entrusted to us. On behalf of the diocese and all who worked so hard to make this day possible, we receive this school into our family in the same way it began – with humility and gratitude. We treasure what has been handed on to us.”
St Thomas’ principal Steve Hart said the college acknowledges the Christian Brothers “with enormous gratitude”.
“Their contribution to St Thomas cannot simply be measured in years, buildings or programs,” he said.
“It is found in the generations of young men who have passed through this college and in the values that continue to shape who we are: faith, service, justice, courage, compassion, and a particular commitment to those who need us most.”
Mr Hart said St Thomas’ “remains proudly Catholic, proudly shaped by the character of Blessed Edmund Rice and deeply committed to forming good young men who will make a difference in their families, their communities, and their world”.
“As Bishop Michael assumes proprietorship, our responsibility is to carry forward the very best of what has been entrusted to us,” he said.
Br Gerard Brady, the provincial leader for the Christian Brothers, recounted the order was first invited to come to Christchurch in the 1880s, eventually saying “yes” to a later invitation in the 1960s to run St Thomas’.
Br Gerard said St Thomas’ is part of a global network of schools and ministries founded on the charism of Blessed Edmund Rice, but each has its own identity.
“From its earliest years, this college developed a splendid spirit of cooperation from boys and parents, and it continues today,” he said.
“You have all played a part in the development of this college. The obvious support and loyalty of parents, of old boys and the current college community attests to the place in your hearts that this school holds.”
Br Gerard also noted the “steadfastness” of the community as it faced uncertainty over its future in recent months. He acknowledged the brothers’ role in that.
“We gather together to celebrate the transfer of the ownership of this college from the trustees of the Christian Brothers to the Diocese of Christchurch,” he said.
“We brothers entrust you, this community, to gather around your bishop in solidarity to continue to set afire the flame of Jesus. May Jesus live in your hearts.”
In offering a gift to Bishop Gielen, Br Gerard noted that the “most sacred” gift is the students.
